If there was a prize for the most elegant Damen Naval-built ship, the Shabab Oman II would most definitely be in the running. Since her official christening ceremony in Vlissingen’s inner harbour in 2014, this 87-metre-long three-masted sailing clipper has served as the Royal Navy of Oman’s Sail Training Vessel for more than a decade.

Furthermore, with 29 sails taking up an area of 2,700 square metres, the Shabab Oman II has graced multiple sailing festivals and international regattas in that time. The amount of people who have visited the ship is impressive. For example, the Times of Oman reported that, during the Shabab Oman II’s fourth international voyage in 2019, at least 211,000 visitors boarded the ship.

The Shabab Oman II has 29 sails taking up an area of 2,700 square metres. The Shabab Oman II has 29 sails taking up an area of 2,700 square metres.

A quick recap: Damen Naval delivered the Shabab Oman II to the Royal Navy of Oman in 2014. The vessel was built at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania, before being towed to Vlissingen for outfitting.

Since delivery, Damen has continued to work closely with the Ministry of Defence of Oman, providing ongoing post-delivery service and support. This has included the initial spare parts package, warranty support, woodwork maintenance, rigging maintenance and the replacement of a chilled water unit.

View from behind the ship's wheel. View from behind the ship's wheel.

As the builder of this magnificent ship, it’s nice to keep up-to-date with her current condition. As such, it’s good to hear that the Shabab Oman II recently underwent an extensive maintenance programme. This was carried out by Damen Services Middle East, which sent a team to Oman to perform the work scope of a full refit of technical spares, renewal of standing rigging and three generators, and overhaul and maintenance of the vessel’s propulsion line, bilge, firefighting equipment, cooling water and power generation systems.

Talking of the work, Luca Lietaert, Service Hub Manager at Damen Services Middle East, said: “We were delighted to welcome Shabab Oman II back to Damen. We’re proud to help extend her service life so she can continue inspiring future generations.” Following the maintenance works, the Shabab Oman II set sail on a new voyage spanning fourteen countries across the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Do you want to see Damen Naval’s most elegant ship in full sail? You’re in luck! Her sailing schedule includes a Dutch stopover: she will be participating in this year’s Sail Amsterdam which takes place between 20 and 24 August.

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